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Groundworks Apprentice
To learn all aspects of groundworks whilst working onsite with experienced operatives, including drainage, foundations, road and footpath construction, slab laying, kerb laying, construction of driveways, as a brief outline of what you may be doing.
Wage
£18,720 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Starting salary based on £9.00 per hour for this September's intake, this may be negotiable depending on age and previous experience in construction.
Training course
Groundworker (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday shifts to be confirmed from 7:30am - 5:00pm and 7:30am - 1:00pm on Saturday if work is available. Hours over 40 per week will only be available to those 18+. Your breaks will be 10:00am - 10:20am and 1:00pm - 1:30pm.
40 hours a week
Start date
Tuesday 1 September 2026
Duration
1 year 6 months
Positions available
6
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
As part of this role, you will be required to study towards the Groundworker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard at Colchester Institute.
Groundworks Apprentice:
To learn all aspects of groundwork whilst working onsite with experienced operatives, including drainage, foundations, road and footpath construction, slab laying, kerb laying, construction of driveways as a brief outline of what you may be doing
Groundworkers prepare a construction site for the shallow foundation of a new home/building
Main duties include:
- Removing sewage, redirecting waterways by flow or pumping, concreting the proposed site and laying both kerbs and flagstones
- To work on-site learning and assisting experienced groundworkers
- Duties will vary depending on what works are being carried out on site
- Day-to-day contact is Nicky Collins
Where you'll work
19 Fourth Avenue Bluebridge Industrial Estate Halstead CO9 2SY
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
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Training provider
COLCHESTER INSTITUTE
Training course
Groundworker (level 2)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Work safely and securely in compliance with given information, organisational policies and procedures, and current health, safety and welfare legislation including following the procedures for working in contaminated ground
- Conform with productive working practices and completing the work in accordance with the programme of work
- Interpret and follow verbal and written work instructions from supervisors and site managers
- Access, interpret and use drawings and specifications
- Select the required resources including tools and fixtures
- Move, handle and store resources complying with relevant legislation & guidance
- Use and maintain power tools and equipment (including; compactor plates, boning rods, portable power tools, levels, straight edges, lines, pins and laser equipment)
- Gauge and mix mortars and concrete by hand and by mixer
- Select and use basic setting out equipment including tape measures, levels, straight edges, lines and pins, boning rods and laser equipment under guidance of the supervisor
- Install, maintain and remove temporary protection and safety arrangements for the work area relating to barriers and temporary structures, including protection, safety notices and safety lighting
- Install and test basic drainage and ducting
- Measure, mark, cut and install geo-membranes to stabilise soil for re-instatement and excavations
- Transport and place, then compact and finish concrete to slabs/bases, footing oversights, paths, form slab edgings including positioning reinforcement and kerbs
- Set out and lay flags, paviours and edging to paths, driveways and other areas
- Install ironworks relating to access covers and frames, and gully grates and frames including preparatory brickwork
- Locate and excavate to expose buried utility services using electronic location instruments
- Provide and remove temporary works including shallow excavation support (up to 1.2 metres)
- Form and reinstate excavations and surfaces to sub-grades, sub-bases and road bases
- Prepare to, then direct and guide the movement of vehicles, plant or machinery
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Training schedule
As part of this role, you will be required to study towards the Groundworker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard at Colchester Institute
College attendance for this course will be 1 day per week at the Colchester Campus
Requirements
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Team working
- Physical fitness
- Hardworking
- Listening Skills
- Willing to Learn
Other requirements
The role is working outside and will involve working in all weathers.
About this employer
MDS Civil Engineering Ltd. From Inception to Conclusion. Specialists in Groundwork and Civil Engineering, Housing, Commercial and Infrastructure, we get involved from viabilities, land purchase, design and construction. Utilising the latest cut and fill programmes and digitised taking off systems produces a comprehensive bill of quantities from a fully computerised estimating package. Advice is given at an early stage to minimise construction costs and produce the best end result. http://www.mds.uk.com/ (opens in new tab)
After this apprenticeship
We always try to promote from within wherever possible, so, for a hardworking individual who works to a high standard, there may be future opportunities to progress within the company once the apprenticeship is completed.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
COLCHESTER INSTITUTE
Colchester Institute - Apprenticeship Team
ci.apprenticeships@colchester.ac.uk
01206712043
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000009510.
Apply now
Closes on Friday 26 June 2026
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